October 1986

Dave Dobbyn & Herbs release "Slice of Heaven"

"Slice of Heaven" is a single by New Zealand singer/songwriter Dave Dobbyn with the band Herbs, released in 1986 on the soundtrack of the animated motion picture, Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tail Tale. The single was No. 1 on New Zealand music charts for eight weeks and in Australia for four. It also appeared on Dobbyn's 1988 album, Loyal.

October 1986

First Rockshop opens on Karangahape Road

We opened our very first Rockshop located at 76 Karangahape Road, Auckland.

OUR STORY

Far and away the biggest chain of it’s kind in New Zealand with – currently - 25 retail stores nationwide, the Rockshop Group continues to expand both the number and size of its outlets and roster of the world’s best brands of Musical Instruments and Equipment. Since establishment in 1986, growth has been dramatic with the Rockshop Group undoubtedly the industry and market leader.

The Rockshop has become a household name, synonymous with professional sales and service, the best available products, committed staff, innovative presentation, superior locations and a proactive commitment to local artists and the NZ Music Industry as whole through partnerships such as Rockquest and Play It Strange.

The Group’s mission statement is simple: “Best Prices, Best Service, Best Products, Best Deals – Guaranteed”. It is within this simple framework that the group has flourished, driven by the desire to be the best... and stay the best.

The NZ Rockshop Group continues to dominate the NZ market through its market leading brand support, professional approach and commitment to providing musicians of all levels with the best possible deals, service and products.

ENDURING PASSION FOR MUSIC THE STORY OF MICK WEBB AND THE ROCKSHOP

When The Beatles played the English television show ‘Thank Your Lucky Stars’ in October 1963, it would have been impossible to predict the impact they would have on those who saw it. Obviously The Beatles played a very influential part in the musical and cultural revolution of the 1960s. However, that iconic performance, on a black and white TV, was the inspiration for Mick Webb’s musical journey.

Mick is best known for creating the Rockshop, the largest chain of wholly-owned musical instrument retail stores in New Zealand. It has been this enduring passion for music that has not only created a successful group of companies but also allowed many others to live out their musical passions through their careers.

A Christmas present of a 3⁄4 size nylon string guitar from his sister was Mick’s first musical instrument. He was listening to ‘skiffle’ music at the time. It was a rough, raw, immediate music compared to the mainstream alternatives. Mick wanted to be involved in music in some shape or form. This lead to joining a school band called ‘The Section’, which eventually lead to the first band which Mick managed called ‘Slowbone’. “I felt my skills weren’t just in playing music but in management, organising, taking opportunities and making things work. I really enjoyed going out and finding gigs for the band and dealing with record companies". Mick signed Slowbone to a deal with the ‘Rare Earth’ record label in the UK.

His musical journey continued in the formation of a t-shirt printing company. Starting with printing shirts for Slowbone, it lead to printing shirts for numerous other bands and even for customers like Richard Branson’s Virgin Records. Eventually he sold this company and opened a guitar store.

“I have a love for creating and my chosen field is music. Some people write, produce, play, manage, promote or open a store but it’s all to do with music”.

Mick then opened a store called Holiday Music in Walthamstow, East London. He split from that and opened the Cambridge Rockshop, then opening a shop in Germany, Islington and another in Cambridge.

Mick left England in 1986 to live in New Zealand. He met Paul Skipper, who was working as a town planner. Paul played keyboards and was gigging with his bands regularly around the Auckland region. They formed a partnership, taking over a rundown music store on Karangahape Road, Auckland.

Over the next 25 years this partnership has developed into a group of companies representing 30 musical instrument retail stores, 4 wholesale companies, a magazine, a private music venue called Backbeat and Rockshop Radio.

“It’s all been very organic, a natural progression the way it’s all developed. I’ve been very fortunate with the people that I’ve had around me. Business is all about people. Trusting, enjoying and living your life with other people. Without other people life is nothing, that’s where we get enjoyment from, interaction and relationship”. Mick emphasises that “the organisation is not about me, it’s about everyone in it. People enjoying what they do. We can’t all be successful rock ’n’ rollers. Some people have their five minutes of fame and then find they still have to pay the bills, particularly in New Zealand. So it’s good to be part of creating something where musicians can earn a living by indulging in their passion in one way, shape or form".

“It’s been great to have buy-in from other people who have similar aspirations or love for music”. Mick believes the Rockshop is distinguished by its employees. All of its directors, senior staff, product managers, marketing & design, technical service division, IT team and even the group CFO are active or gigging musicians, who bring a real musical connection to the company. This goes much further with numerous store managers, retail & wholesale staff all regularly playing, bringing their expertise and their musical passion to what they do.

This real musical connection is woven into the fundamental structure of the organisation from the top down and provides credibility for both customers and staff.

“If you indulge in your passion it’s not a minute of work. Looking at the clock wishing your life away, well there’s not much point in that. I couldn’t have achieved the personal well being and the fun if I wasn’t involved in music”.

1987

All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup

In a country where rugby became a surrogate for religion, hosting and then winning the first Rugby World Cup was a big deal. For much of the 20th century the All Blacks vied with South Africa’s Springboks for the unofficial title of the best team in international rugby. Without a world cup to bring the top teams together in a single competition, such claims were difficult to prove. When the All Blacks triumphed in 1987, the Springboks were absent because of the country’s apartheid policy. But the photographs of captain David Kirk holding the Webb Ellis Cup aloft in 1987 became one of our most famous sporting images.

Drumshop 1988

Auckland Drumshop Opens

1988

Midnight Oil's "Beds Are Burning'" reaches No.1 on NZ charts

"Beds Are Burning" is a song by the Australian rock band Midnight Oil, the first track from their album Diesel and Dust. This song was the second from the album to be released as a single and is among the band's best-known songs outside. It reached No. 1 in New Zealand and is one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.

October 1988

Christchurch Rockshop Opens

1989

The Proclaimers "I'm Gonna Be (500 miles)" hits No.1 in NZ

"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" is a song written and performed by Scottish duo The Proclaimers and first released as the lead single from their 1988 album Sunshine on Leith. The song has since become their most popular song worldwide, initially becoming a number 1 hit in New Zealand in early 1989.

August 1996

Takapuna Rockshop Opens

1996

DLT & Che Fu 's song "Chains" reaches No.1 on NZ Charts

'Chains' is a Hip hop song by New Zealand DJ DLT (musician) featuring singer Che Fu. The song reached no 1 on the New Zealand charts. It was Che-Fu's first song after leaving Supergroove and marked the beginning of his solo career.

Palmerston North Rockshop Opens

1998

The Feelers release their award winning album "Supersystem"

Supersystem is the debut album by the Feelers. Since its release it has sold over four times platinum in the NZ Music Charts and is the winner of five NZ music awards in 1998. Singles include "Pressure Man", "Venus", "Friend" and "Supersystem".

Botany 2001

Botany Rockshop Opens

2001

Zed wins three NZ Music Awards for their album "Silencer"

Silencer is the debut studio album by New Zealand rock band Zed. The album was first released in New Zealand on 27 August 2000, via Universal Music Group. The album debuted at number one on the Official New Zealand Top 40 Albums chart, quickly achieving triple platinum status, and creating six hit singles. "Renegade Fighter" was also the number one song in New Zealand for the year 2000. In 2001, Silencer earned the band three wins at the New Zealand Music Awards including 'Album of the Year', 'Top Group', and 'Top Male Vocalist'

2001

Rockshop DJ/PA Store Opens

2002

Goodshirt's "Sophie" reaches No1 on the NZ charts

Goodshirt first came to prominence in 2000 with the independent release "Green". After a string of further singles, the band's debut album Good was released in August 2001. A few more singles were released off the album and one of these, "Sophie", reached number one on the New Zealand singles chart in 2002.

2005

Lower Hut Rockshop Opens

2005

Fat Freddy's Drop wins four NZ Music awards for their album "Based On A True Story"

Based on a True Story was the first studio produced album by New Zealand group Fat Freddy's Drop. It was recorded in Wellington and released on the band's own label, The Drop. Based on a True Story utilized the band's trademark dub, reggae, soul and funk influenced sound, and has been successful both in terms of sales and of critical reception. The album followed years of regular touring within New Zealand, a live album, several singles, and appearances on numerous compilation albums in New Zealand and internationally.

New Plymouth 2005

New Plymouth Rockshop Opens

The New Plymouth Rock Shop opened on the 18th of April, 2005. The store is located in the heart of the New Plymouth Downtown shopping district, with ample parking in front of the building. New Plymouth is a thriving musical community bustling with all year round activities. Festival of the Lights, Americarna Classic Car Festival, WOMAD, Festival of the Arts, the list goes on…

The New Plymouth Rockshop is proudly involved with all these festivals and the store has become the hub of the local musical community. We are known to cater to all levels of musical ability, from beginners to seasoned professionals. In addition to full repair and maintenance services we also offer regular Workshops on topics as varied as Finger-style Guitar, How to play Drums and/or Bass and How to use Recording gear. In our continued efforts to reach out to the local community we have now introduced a full pick-up and delivery service to all local schools in the area.

We have over 300 square meters of floor space crammed full of great brands and three full time staff who are all consummate professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and know-how to the area.

2006

"Bathe in the River" single released by Mt Raskil Preservation Society, featuring Hollie Smith

"Bathe in the River" is a single released by New Zealand group Mt Raskil Preservation Society, featuring singer Hollie Smith. It appeared on the soundtrack for the New Zealand film, No. 2. Songwriter Don McGlashan won the 2006 APRA Silver Scroll for "Bathe in the River".

2007

Whangarei Rockshop Opens

The Whangarei Rockshop opened in November 2007 which was a welcome addition to the lack of music retail in town. This brought premium brands and advice to the Whangarei musical community.

The store is located in the centre of town on John Street and is open 6 days a week. We have 3 staff members, all with extensive experience in music gear from either playing in bands for years, studying sound or running home studios. The store is 280 square meters and is always full of great gear for everyone, from the very beginner to the most advanced user.

We pride ourselves in being good problem solvers. No question is too weird or too hard to answer. If we don’t have the answer you need we will find it.

2007

The Mint Chicks win five NZ Music Awards for their album "Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No!"

Crazy? Yes! Dumb? No! is the second full-length album released by The Mint Chicks and was originally released in New Zealand on the Flying Nun label. The album was produced by singer Kody, guitarist Ruban Nielson, and their father Chris Nielson. Despite its humble beginnings (the album was recorded between Kody Nielson's garage and his father's bedroom) the album dominated the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2007, earning five awards as well as achieving Gold status in the Chicks' home country of New Zealand.

2007

Led Zeppelin album "Mothership" is No 1 Album in NZ Charts for 2007

Mothership is a greatest hits compilation album by English rock groupLed Zeppelin. The songs included were chosen by the surviving members of Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, and represent eight of the band's nine studio albums.

2007

Apple CEO Steve Jobs announces the iPhone

2007

Backbeat Venue Opens in Auckland

With a look, feel and atmosphere unlike any other venue in New Zealand, Backbeat is said to be a music museum designed for private functions/live music and public events.

Having some of the best quality instrument backline & PA gear, Backbeat is ideal for artists/bands to put their next shindig together and showcase their material, launch their albums and play gigs.

It is also used for music related clinics/seminars, product launches, exclusive after-parties or hired out for private functions.

Companies and organisations such as New Zealand on Air, Big Day Out, TVNZ, TV3, Four, NZ Herald, Frontier Touring, Sony Music, Warners, Universal, Music Managers Forum, Air New Zealand, Craggyrange Winery, Oxfam, SmokefreeRockquest and Play it Strange have all used Backbeat as a private music industry venue to promote their causes.

2008

Flight Of The Conchords win four NZ Music Awards

Flight of the Conchords is a New Zealand-based comedy duo composed of Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement. The duo's comedy and music became the basis of a BBC radio series and then an American television series that aired for two seasons on HBO. They used to refer to themselves as "New Zealand's fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo", but now speak of themselves as "the almost award-winning fourth-most-popular folk duo in New Zealand." 2008 saw them win The Best Comedy Album at the 50th Grammy Awards, only with four NZ Music Awards.

2009

Ladyhawke wins six NZ Music Awards for her album "Ladyhawke"

Ladyhawke is the debut album by New Zealand singer-songwriter Ladyhawke, released on 19 September 2008. The album incorporates 1980s-influenced new wave and synthpop, as well as indie rock. It was promoted by five singles: "Back of the Van", "Paris Is Burning", "Dusk Till Dawn", "My Delirium" and "Magic". The album reached number one on the New Zealand Albums Chart and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand (RIANZ). The album won six awards at the 2009 New Zealand Music Awards

2009

Sylvia Park Rockshop Opens

Sylvia Park Rockshop is a 7-day-a-week store that caters for all clients from the lifestyle/recreational musician, families through to the seasoned professional.

It is a great place to visit while your partner is out shopping and is also a great place to unwind from the busy mall environment. We have a great fun team with huge amounts of knowledge and we will always make sure you feel welcome and leave with the correct products.

Play musical instruments online? Surely not… come on in and try out our amazing range of instruments on offer. It’s important that you feel comfortable with the right instrument; we will never make you feel pressured and rush you into buying.

Our experience is both from inside and outside the box. Come on down and say hi.

2009

The Brave Don't Run is the debut album of rock band Midnight Youth, released on April 27, 2009. The album debuted at number two on the New Zealand Album Chart on May 3, 2009, The album features two gold singles in NZ, featuring "The Letter" & "All On Our Own".

February 2011

Christchurch Rockshop destroyed by earthquake

2011

The Naked And Famous win 7 NZ Music Awards for their album "Passive Me, Aggressive You"

Passive Me, Aggressive You is the debut studio album by New Zealand indie electronic band The Naked and Famous. The album was released on 6 September 2010 in New Zealand, where it debuted at number one. The album spawned four singles: "All of This", "Young Blood", "Punching in a Dream" and "Girls Like You"; with "Young Blood" peaking at number one on the New Zealand Singles Chart. 2011 saw them win seven NZ Music Awards.

KBB K rd 2011

KBB Music Opens on Karangahape Road

Rockshop Radio 2011

Rockshop Radio Launches

The Alternative Alternative...

Rockshop Radio is an alternative radio station broadcasting to the central Auckland area, streaming to Rockshop stores across New Zealand and going out to all lovers of good music on the world wide web.

We seek to inspire and entertain through programs that reflect the diversity of musical tastes that exists today.

We play the music you didn't know you wanted to hear!Tune in throughout the Auckland CBD on 107.1 FM

We are transmitting by Low Powered FM Transmitter so reception may vary. If you can't tune in via radio, tune in online below.

Click on the link below to stream Rockshop Radio through iTunes

Your computer may ask you if you want to listen through iTunes or ask what application you want to open it in - select iTunes. This will also save the location in your Internet Songs playlist in iTunes. You can download iTunes here...

Wellington 2011

Wellington Rockshop Relocates

For two decades the Wellington Rockshop was situated in Manners Mall but has now moved around the corner. It was the third Rockshop to open its doors in New Zealand.

With a central city location, it has great accessibility and puts you in the heart of the best shopping district in the capital. You'll find the biggest range of musical instruments & accessories in town. We’ve got something for everyone. From cheap and cheerful to professional product, we can help you find just what you’re looking for. So come in and talk to our friendly and very experienced staff, you’re guaranteed service with a smile.

2012

KBB Music Megastore opens in Epsom

2012

Six60 win six NZ Music Awards for their album "Six60"

Six60 is the self-titled debut studio album by New Zealand rock band Six60. Released on 10 October 2011, it debuted at No. 1 on the New Zealand albums chart and was certified Gold in its first week. The album includes the songs "Rise Up 2.0" and "Don't Forget Your Roots". At the 2012 NZ Music awards Six60 walked away with six awards for their debut album.

Albany Opens 2013

Albany Rockshop & KBB Music Opens

We opened a brand new purpose-built store incorporating both Rockshop and KBB Music in Albany, Auckland.

Located in the ever expanding hub of Albany, Albany Rockshop/KBB Music opened its doors in April of 2013 and they haven’t looked back since! Offering a huge selection of instruments, we have something here for everyone!

Managed by Sammy Davis, Sammy is a devoted Prince fan who plays Drums, Guitar and Piano and has an extensive passion for and all round knowledge of all things music! In his spare time, he enjoys recording/producing/playing music for like-minded musicians and friends, watching classic comedy with a good beer and trying to learn to play every Prince song ever written!

Our Assistant Manager, Rhys Bills-Strange, is our resident DJ, Audio Engineer, Live Sound, and Recorder specialist. In his spare time he enjoys consuming/making music, and consuming/making quality craft beer – sometimes at the same time! Come and see him for all your technical enquiries.

Charlie Hares, the latest addition to our team, is an enthusiastic Drummer and Guitarist who enjoys reading up about the latest gear, jamming and recording with friends and catching as many local gigs as possible. He is the man to see when looking for a new amp or a peculiar guitar effect to spice up your current rig.

Here at Albany Rockshop/KBB Music we strive to deliver the best price, best service, best products, and best deals all year round, so pop on in and see the team at Albany today!

2013

Christchurch Rockshop & KBB Music Relocates

We relocated Christchurch Rockshop & KBB Music into a bigger & brighter premises in the same block. Rockshop & KBB Music now sit side by side with the two stores joining internally.

The Hornby Store opened on the 28th March 2011 as a result of the main Christchurch store being closed by the earthquake on Feb 22nd 2011

In November 2013 the store expanded into the adjacent building allowing our sister company KBB Music to exist in the same building as ours. Rockshop Christchurch also extended it's floorspace making room for a wider selection of just about everything that makes the Rockshop great. More PA, more drums, more guitars, more basses, more keyboards, and a wall of ukeleles!

Rockshop and KBB Music are still situated opposite the well known Dressmart mall and The Hub which is Hornby's massive mall complex.

There is plenty of parking with close to 30 parks in and around the store.

2013

Lorde releases "The Love Club" EP and single "Royals" goes to No1 on NZ charts

2013

Shapeshifter wins two NZ Music Awards for their album "Delta"

Shapeshifter are a live drum and bass act from New Zealand. They are known for their live shows and blend of heavy soul with drum and bass. They have made appearances at Glastonbury, The Big Chill, Big Day Out, Parklife plus sold-out performances across Europe, Australia and New Zealand. 2013, Shapeshifter released their 5th studio album titled "Delta" which includes lead singles Monarch, Diamond Trade and Gravity. It was recorded in Berlin, Germany and Wellington, New Zealand and was released on 31 May followed by a NZ wide tour. The album has been mixed by NZ drum and bass producers The Upbeats. "Delta" won two NZ Music Awards in 2013.

2015

All Blacks win the Rugby World Cup for a third time

October 2015

Rockshop & KBB Music NorthWest Opens

The Northwest Rockshop is the latest and greatest of our stores. Opened in October 2015, we are located in the Northwest Shopping Centre just off the end of the Northwestern Motorway. The Northwest region is one of Auckland’s biggest growth areas, and the Northwest Rockshop has all the brands you know, at the prices that you’ll love. For all your brass, woodwind and orchestral needs, the Northwest Rockshop features a KBB Music section.

Our staff members have a wide instrument and equipment knowledge base between them, ranging from guitars to hi tech to orchestral and everything in between. Whether it be for a beginner or a pro user, out staff are here to help you.

For the best parking and access to our store, head to the western end of the level 1 carpark. A convenient ramp and stairway will lead you straight to our store.

2015

Broods win four NZ Music Awards for their album "Evergreen"

Evergreen is the debut studio album by New Zealand music duo Broods, which was released on 22 August 2014. Following the release of their self-titled EP, Broods, earlier that year, the album includes two songs from that EP and the new single "Mother & Father". Upon its release, Evergreen debuted at number 1 on the New Zealand Albums Chart and was certified gold by Recorded Music NZ. 2015 saw Broods win four NZ Music Awards for their debut album.

KBB Napier 2016

KBB Music Joins Napier Rockshop

2016

Dave Bowie released his last album "Blackstar"

★ (pronounced and stylised as Blackstar) is the twenty-fifth and final studio album by the English musician David Bowie. It was released worldwide on 8 January 2016, coinciding with Bowie's 69th birthday.

May 2017

Rockshop Website Upgrade Launches

Once again, we launch a new website taking online musical instrument shopping to the next level.Incorporating a larger "Inspirational" focus, the site features a wide offering of Gear, Services and an overhauled Community section called Bandroom.